15 best cities to live in India

15 best cities to live in India

Cities have emerged as the prime engines of the Indian economic growth and generators of national wealth. . . the future is inescapably urban, says a study, jointly conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Institute of Competitiveness.

With a total urban population of 285 million, India's cities and towns are developing at a fast pace. But do Indian cities offer good quality of life?

Though quality of life is subjective and people differ on various factors based on their incomes, influences and cultures etc, a good city must offer basic amenities and infrastructure at a cost that makes living convenient and hassle free, the study states.

While Delhi turns out be the safest and best city to live in India, Jamshedpur and Patna are rated as the worst cities. The CII study maps 37 Indian cities on the basis of than 300 indicators on a 10 year time line series.

3. Chennai

The booming southern city of Chennai scores high on education and safety. It is ranked 4th in education and 5th in safety, housing, socio-cultural political environment and economic environment. It is ranked 7th in terms of income and employment.

5. Kolkata

The city with a blend of the old colonial charm and modern facilities, Kolkata is the 5th best city to live in India. It is ranked 4th in terms of health and medical facilities.

It comes third in socio-cultural political environment. It lags behind in housing options at 32nd position. The city is rated 7th best in terms of education and 14th in terms of safety among the 37 cities in India.

11. Shimla

The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a favourite destination for tourists. It is rated as the 5th best in education, economic environment and healthcare. The city is ranked 10th in housing options.

13. Bhopal

The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal scores high on safety. However, health and medical facilities are a matter of concern here. It also fares badly in education and socio-cultural political environment.

15. Kozhikode

Kozhikode is the third largest city in Kerala. One of the major commercial centres, the city has developed at a fast pace. It is ranked first among the 37 cities in India for the best healthcare and medical facilities.

It ranks at third on purchasing power, 8th in economic environment, 10th in housing options and socio-cultural political environment. However, it falls in terms of safety. Though, it scores low on the education front, the city has the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).